Ceremonies marking the 1963 Franco-German partnership pale in comparison to U.S. presidential inaugurations, but they mark an alliance credited with driving the E.U. — and the euro — toward greater stability and prosperity
Angela Merkel
Is the E.U. Nearing a Landmark Banking Deal?
European Union finance ministers announced unexpected advances towards a banking union designed to prevent the excesses that transformed Europe’s sovereign debt problem into the fearsome euro crisis.
A Deeply Divided European Union Faces Its Own Budgetary Cliff
France, Germany and Britain become central antagonists in more general discord over a multiyear E.U. budget — and risk preventing Europe from fulfilling one of its most basic operational tasks
France ‘Biggest Problem’ in Euro Crisis, Say German Officials
France smarts at German comments despairing French economic response to the euro crisis, and media reports contending Berlin is preparing a To-Do reform list for sluggish leaders in Paris.
A Kinder, Gentler Merkel Comes Calling in Athens
The German Chancellor hasn’t given up on her austerity push, but she isn’t about to show Greece the E.U. door
In Autumn’s Challenges, a Series of Existential Crises for the Euro
The fate of the euro will be repeatedly tested in coming weeks, as the European Central Bank, markets, legal experts and politicians all weigh in from opposing sides in the struggle to preserve the tormented common currency
French President Hollande Embarks on His Own Mission Impossible
Under fire for not moving faster to mend France’s economy, Socialist President François Hollande is both pushing for further stimulus spending while also trying to slash budgets.
How Is Samaras Doing? So Far, the Euro Zone Likes the New Greek Leader
There is a lot of hardship ahead but so far Merkel and the Germans like what they hear from the Greek Prime Minister. Will the honeymoon last?
Spain’s Creative Protests: Flamenco Flash Mobs and Supermarket Robin Hoods
Angry demonstrations are one thing, but the irate in Spain are stomping their flamenco heels at banks and robbing supermarkets to give to the poor
Europe’s Good News: Economic Decline Is Bad, but Could Be Worse
A flurry of new economic data in Europe indicates that the slide of the euro zone toward recession isn’t as rapid as some had expected — though it is still steady enough to represent a major threat to the global economy
A Leftist Powwow: Hollande Welcomes Cameron Foe to the Élysée
U.K. Labour Party leader Ed Miliband arrived at the Élysée as the first British dignitary to call on French President François Hollande since the Socialist’s May election victory, generating speculation (and denials) that the …
E.U. Summit: Up All Night, But Consensus Finally Reached
Billed as the “last chance” summit to contain the escalating euro crisis, the meeting of EU leaders produces measures to relieve short-term financial pressures on vulnerable members, and lay the framework for significant …
Must-Reads from Around the World, June 29, 2012
Today’s picks: Germany and the E.U.’s crunch summit, the U.S.’s Iranian oil sanctions and Hong Kong’s handover birthday looms.